Category: Blithe Spirit

The good and the bad, emphasis on Trib and Sun-Times

Some gems from John Kass column about the state of union address, Nancy P. going on a tear, etc.

Chosen for the satisfaction of a well-turned phrase and metaphor:

The partisan impeachment of President Donald Trump finally passed, mercifully, like a kidney stone, with Democrats grimacing helplessly during acquittal in the Senate on Wednesday.

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And what about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who cemented herself in the American mind as a petulant child, angrily ripping up her copy of Trump’s State of the Union speech?

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During his State of the Union speech the other night, Trump didn’t mention the impeachment once.

With Pelosi sitting behind him, muttering to herself like some angry bag lady alone on a night train, he didn’t have to mention it.

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He focused instead on his accomplishments and the economy, which infuriates his enemies. When he was done, Pelosi grabbed Trump’s speech, and in a fit of petulance, theatrically ripped it to shreds.

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Pelosi once wisely said she wanted no part of a purely partisan impeachment, that it would be wrong for the country and her party. But power is like sugar, once the body is hooked on blueberry pie, it always wants more.

So, Pelosi capitulated to the urgings of her wild-eyed Inspector Javert, Adam Schiff and pushed impeachment.

Which turned out bad for them. The more’s not the pity.

via Column: Trump impeachment backfires on Democrats, and Nancy Pelosi has a meltdown – Chicago Tribune

Bernie and the dodged question . . .

Always the most revealing in any exchange:

During the Q&A session, an attendee mentioned how Jeremy Corbyn, standing in the UK on a similar policy platform, had led the British Labour party to ‘the worst defeat they’ve had in half a century’.

He then asked, ‘how can you assure us that you would not face the same onslaught?’ Bernie dodged the question, talking instead about how he would beat Trump and the need to build an unorthodox coalition and ‘reach out to Trump’s working class supporters.

Ah yes. Not in his comfort zone.

via Bernie warms up at Manchester debate venue | Spectator USA

Acquittal of Trump is Victory for Rule of Law

Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch:

I attended President Trump’s celebration of his acquittal at the White House this week. President Trump rightly called out the corrupt coup cabal that abused him and his family. This was great to see in person. I was honored to represent Judicial Watch at this historic marking of the vindication.

There must be accountability for this unprecedented abuse of power that targeted not only President Trump but also the Constitution. We have little doubt the president’s opponents will corruptly continue to abuse and harass him.

That’s why Judicial Watch will continue to investigate and pursue its dozens of lawsuits on the Biden-Ukraine scandal, details about Schiff’s misconduct as well the illegal spying on President Trump and other innocent Americans.
Glad to hear it.

Another medical research prof with secret ties to China — “indicted for allegedly lying” etc. Why not “on a charge of”?

Finally dawns on me. That damn “allegedly” used in news accounts so as not to pre-judge the individual or prejudice the case? As in this story?

Just a week after Harvard University chemistry chairman Charles Lieber was indicted for allegedly lying about his ties to China, specifically a technology university in the heart of coronavirus hub city Wuhan, court records allege that another professor lied about ties to China.

Problem is, the word, here an adverb, goes too far, or doesn’t say enough. There had to be more than something being alleged, of course, as indeed there was.

Instead say this: indicted “on charges of” or “on the charge of” whatever. It’s more accurate and not much longer.

Think about it, all you copy editors out there.

via Another medical research prof with secret ties to China